Mobiles 'could cause brain cancer epidemic'

Dubai, November 3, 2009

Increased mobile phone usage, especially amongst the young, could lead to an epidemic of brain cancers potentially affecting more than 400 million people, according to a study.

The study will be released at the Dubai Congress on Anti-Aging and Aesthetic Medicine (DCAAAM) next week.

Delegates to the congress – to be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre on November 8 and 9 – will hear the latest finding on mobile phone usage and the effects of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) from expert Dr Howard Fisher, author of three books on the subject and scientific advisor to several governments about the issue.

With more than 4.3 billion global mobile users, including 7.2 million in the UAE, worldwide studies indicate palpable evidence to suggest that EMR affects hormonal secretions and brain activity and are linked to conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, various cancers, reproductive difficulties and miscarriage, said a statement from the congress organisers.

Fisher, who is also on the scientific committee of DCAAAM, said: “The overriding evidence shows the huge threat that EMR poses to our health. There have been over 100,000 papers written on the issue and the Interphone Study started in 2000 has still not released its findings because of conflicts.”

For more than 10 years researchers have been aware of EMR penetration into the brain, which is far worse for a child, potentially leading to brain tumours and childhood leukaemia, as well as evidence to show it may lead to disorders such as ADD, ADHD and autism.

“September 2009 saw the US Senate hosting a major conference on the subject whilst the French government is stepping up its efforts to limit the use of cell phones by children,” says Fisher. “The city of Lyon posted billboards urging parents not to allow children under the age of 12 to use cell phones due to the possible effects of exposure to electromagnetic radiation.”

Professor Bruce Armstrong from University of Sydney School of Public Health commented: 'I think the evidence that is accumulating is pointing towards an effect of mobile phones on tumors. I would not want to be a heavy user of a mobile phone.'

Dr V G Khurana, noted neurosurgeon on faculty at two major Australian universities, said: “There is a significant and increasing body of evidence – at least eight comprehensive clinical studies internationally – for a link between mobile phones and the life ending diagnosis of brain cancer.”

“All is not lost,” says Fisher, “there are effective interventions that will minimise or eliminate the EMR effects but awareness is critical.”

The 2nd Dubai Congress on Anti-Ageing and Aesthetic Medicine (DCAAAM) is the only event in the Middle East organised and endorsed by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and delegates can gain up to 21 CME credits.

Being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, it will be showcasing the latest technological breakthroughs in anti-aging from around the world, said the statement.

Exhibitors and medical speakers will meet to expand their grasp of the latest biomedical advancements and technologies, both current and emerging, to help improve the healthy human lifespan.

The Dubai Congress on Anti-Aging and Aesthetic Medicine is supported by the Ministry of Health UAE and the Department of Health and Medical Services. This event attracted more than 1,200 healthcare professionals from over 50 countries in 2008 and is attended by leaders in the spa industry and aesthetic medicine. – TradeArabia News Service